Encouraging staff to cycle earns commendation for West Mid

Encouraging staff to get on their bikes has earned West Middlesex recognition from the London NHS Travel Network.

The Trust was one of eight hospitals across London to be commended for achieving stage three of the London NHS Cycling Strategy, at a presentation ceremony at Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust on 12 March.

West Middlesex has carried out a variety of initiatives to encourage staff to enjoy the benefits of cycling, including cycling seminars and training sessions, tax free cyclists’ breakfast, secure bike shelters, and commitment from the Board to support actions including cycle-awareness training for any heavy goods vehicles serving the NHS.  

Tom Hayhoe, Chairman of the Trust Board, said: “As a cyclist, I can vouch for the benefits of this way of getting to work: it’s good for your health, good for your pocket, good for the planet, and sets you up well for the day. It’s great to have the support of the NHS Travel Network for cycling at West Mid.”

The Strategy is the result of an ongoing partnership between Transport for London and the NHS, the London NHS Travel Network. It aims to remove barriers to cycling inLondonand promote cycling among NHS staff and the wider community by encouraging the use of greener modes of travel to and from work. 

Since the Strategy’s launch in 2009, NHS staff have been encouraged to increase their health and fitness while reducing carbon emissions through sustainable travel.